'Vultures Are Circling,' NBA Rumors on Clippers' Ivica Zubac Ahead of Trade Deadline

Amid the continued struggles by the Los Angeles Clippers this year, teams are reportedly hoping to poach one of their top commodities.

On Wednesday's episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, NBA insider Zach Lowe reported that Clippers center Ivica Zubac is drawing trade interest from around the league, but the team has remained steadfast in its denial to deal him away so far.

"The Clippers have shoved away people calling, because the vultures are circling with Zubac," Lowe said at the 29:40 mark. "And the Clippers are shoving people away."

At 6-20, the Clippers rank 14th in the Western Conference. They're in the midst of a four-game losing streak for the third time this season.

Despite the team's struggles, Zubac has been a model of consistency. The 28-year-old has appeared in all 26 games and ranks third in the NBA with 11.5 rebounds while also averaging 16.2 points and 2.5 assists. He's also one of the most efficient players in the league, shooting 61.3 percent from the field.

Zubac undoubtedly would be a difference-maker on a contending team, but it appears that it won't be easy to convince the Clippers to let him go. Still, this season has not been what anyone expected in Los Angeles, so the team could soften its stance as the Feb. 5 trade deadline draws nearer.